The controversial Church of Sweden bishop has found himself swept up in a conflict of biblical proportions in recent months as the diocese has battled with internal strife, including accusations of threats and counter-accusations of physical assault.

The problems became so serious that Ragnar Persenius, a bishop in the diocese of Uppsala and the representative of the archbishop, had been called in to help resolve the escalating conflict and hold peace talks with those involved.

The Local reported in the beginning of February that the problems had come to a head after Thidevall signed off on sick leave following an office quarrel which ended in a bout of clerical fisticuffs and a subsequent police report for alleged assault.